The 2015 Free Agency: Who should we Keep and who should we let Seep?
As the season closes, the Sixers must be thinking about their offseason moves. Out of the 2015 free agents for the Sixers, here is a look at who they should keep and who they should let seep.
These players are not free agents this season: Embiid, Noel, Aldemir, Wroten, Covington, Grant, Thompson, Canaan, Sampson.
Keep:
Ish Smith
You’re probably wondering, if we already have a plethora of guards on payroll (Wroten, Canaan, Thompson) and most likely multiple draftees, why resign Smith? Well, it is not hard to see that Ish has been fantastic here in Philadelphia. He is averaging 12.4 points, 6 assists, and 1.2 steals. His chemistry has been great. Smith has said before that him and Noel have an unbreakable bond on the court. They clicked ever since the first game and Noel’s play has significantly risen since the emergence on Ish. I would love to sign Smith to a 1 year deal with a team option, as a way to extend his tryout with Canaan (will be a free agent in the 2016 offseason). I feel like both of these guys will not be the superstars, but either could be fantastic role players. However, unfortunately, I cannot see Hinkie keeping three point guards, assuming that they chose one in this upcoming draft. But he should extend Smith’s contract and allow him some more time to prove himself as a potential future piece of the Sixers.
Luc Mbah a Moute
The Sixers need a veteran on their team. They cannot have a team full of young inexperienced players. They need a teammate who can give them a perspective that connects to them and someone who has been in their situation. Sure, I bet you could find better and more productive veterans, but Mbah a Moute is already experienced with the Sixers. He knows the system, the way things work, and has a relationship with the players. If we are not going to be great next year, why not let Mbah a Moute stay and mentor these young guys for a little longer.
Thomas Robinson
Thomas Robinson has been fantastic and hard fighting in his time with Philadelphia. In a mere 18 minutes a game, he has been able to average 8 points and nearly 8 rebounds. While he is on the floor, Robinson grabs 30% of the available defensive rebounds. To put it in perspective, DeAndre Jordan (the league leader in rebounds) corrales about 32.5% of the defensive rebounds available. Wow. How can we pass that away? He plays hard and is more than efficient. There is no way the Sixers cannot extend his contract with that productivity.
Seep:
Glenn Robinson III
Robinson has been unproductive in his time with Philadelphia. Playing only 12 minutes a game, he has put up a mere 3 points. Do not expect much more. In his time with Minnesota, he played in only 25 games, posterizing only 1 point per outing. Ouch.
Jason Richardson
I have heard from a source close to Hinkie that the staff loves Richardson, but I think J-Rich is just about done his career. Injuries have hampered him and I do not see him having any drive to want to finish off his playing days on a losing team. I also do not think the Sixers need another veteran player. They have to keep that space for the young guys they find in the draft. Mbah a Moute is suitable and younger, meaning he could actually be a potential role player when the Sixers are successful. Richardson does not have that wiggle room. Lastly, J-Rich fills a position (guard) where the Sixers already have a plethora of talent. His services will be stealing playing time from potential prospects that could be instrumental in a championship banner unlike himself.
Henry Sims
Henry Sims has not been terrible. But he’s getting there. Sim’s stats have significantly decreased since the earlier part of the season. Throughout October and November, Sims averaged nearly 25 minutes a game. In April, he has averaged a little more than 12 minutes an outing. He has logged multiple DNP’s and has seen his stats decrease as his minutes have lessened. It’s never a good sign to lose productivity and playing time as the season progresses. That means he is getting worse. I do not see any reason to bring back Sims and I would rather use that money to extend a contract to another potential prospect.
First picture courtesy of philly.com
Second picture courtesy of philly.com
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